Pollution risk from greasy water fed into drains

Singapore has invested heavily in the collection of water and the recycling of waste water to solve our water problem ("How Singapore will never go thirsty"; July 10, and "2 'green' plants to improve waste treatment efficiency"; July 12).

Our extensive network of storm drains channels water back to reservoirs to be treated for use as potable water.

Food and beverage establishments are not allowed to discharge waste water from food preparation directly to this system.

Waste water will instead go through grease traps and other filtration systems to be channelled back to the sewage system and this too will be recycled.

I have observed, however, that in community events held in HDB estates where food is prepared - be it a wedding lunch or a funeral wake - large amounts of greasy water for food preparation and washing are directly fed into the drains where rainwater is collected.

Waste water will eventually be channelled back to our water plants for treatment and additional resources are needed to remove the grease.

Grease and food waste also lead to the choking of pipes and leave a stench that lingers for days.

Chan Zee Hong

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on November 28, 2016, with the headline Pollution risk from greasy water fed into drains. Subscribe